YE "TRADE WOOD" - CYPRUS

Association "Alternativi International" is looking for 6 motivated Bulgarian participants to take part in a youth exchange in Nikosia, Cyprus !

Dates: 27 June - 06 July 2016

About the project:

Unemployment today is one of the biggest issues for the young people. Inspired by our cultures and the community of the villages we come from, we want to explore alternative ways of employment while at the same time we get to know better our cultural identity. This project will guide participants to wood-related traditions and professions, providing them with inspiring ideas regarding employment and entrepreneurship and empowering them with skills and selfconfidence for fighting today's unemployment. We focus on wood processing and carving since we come from villages that have long history in this tradition, and we believe we have a lot to share with, and receive from, all partner countries. This project provides also the opportunity to connect with the eldest of the community that carry valuable knowledge on these traditions, as well as, involve youth and other residents of rural areas. We aim to connect these communities at not only local or national level but also European, taking full advantage of the impact of a European youth exchange. The project involves 36 young participants from Cyprus, Poland, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy and Greece and is primarily oriented to youth in risk of unemployment or with certain geographical or economic obstacles. It will be particularly promoted to young people in rural areas as well as young people willing to explore the entrepreneurial path through tradition and culture. Our activities will be based on hands-on workshops about wood processing, carving, furniture and constructions, entrepreneurial study visits, workshops with local practitioners (young and elder) and presentations of different practices amongst the participating countries. Project activities will further focus on enhancing creativity and personal development of participants through a variety of games, role-plays, teambuilding activities, group discussions, brainstorming, and everyday reflective sessions. To encourage inter-cultural dialogue and bonding we will organize cultural evenings and spend time together learning the basics from each other's music, dance, and language. We will further organize a one-day exhibition of our products and activities to disseminate results and exchange ideas with the local community. Making use of the social media, we will maintain a platform of shared practices for facilitating dissemination in our home countries and encourage future collaborations. The aim of this project is to make a real difference to young participants seeking employment and raise awareness of alternative employment options that can benefit not only the individuals, but also, the communities they live in. Employment, although tackled at personal level, is a key factor for promoting active citizenship and cross-cultural understanding at local and European level. The knowledge the participants will gain, the skills they will learn, the contacts they will make, and the personal decisions they will take, is a crucial base from where the change can happen – in their lives and in the lives of people they will inspire by their example.

Profile of participants:

Participants Profile The participants that will be involved in this projectn are young people with interest in wood processing, crafting, cultural awareness and generally have are creative mindset. No background/ expirience in the field is required. The project is ideal for participants willing to explore entrepreneurial ways in which to handle wood, to socialize with different cultures and work with their hands. 6 participants per country will join us: 5 people aged (20-30) and 1 group leader no age limit

Dates and venue:

The project will take place in the village of Kampos in the district of Nicosia, Cyprus on the 27thof June until 6th of July 2016 and it will involve 36 participants, including training team, coming from 6 Programme countries: Cyprus, Spain,Bulgaria, Italy, Greece and Poland . Our organization will arrange the transportation between Nicosia city center and Kambos

Accomodation:

In Kambos village participants will be accomodated in the old school camp place sharing a 10 dorm room. Bed linen and soap will be provided . Please bring your own personal toiletries and towels

Maximum travel costs:

170 euros for participant from Bulgaria

Reimbursement:

Participation fee:

15 euro participation fee will be collected from each participant

If you are interested to participate in the project, please fill the application form below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YqDWwco0yxAqsz6RP68TGlBhpj4SFKdW8Fj-4DnIV5w/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link

DEADLINE FOR APPLYING: 20th MAy 2016!